Elias came into the hall and greeted him.
"I have news for thee," he whispered; and Iskender, remembering the Valley of the Kings, gave eager ear; but just then Selîm, the son of Mûsa, called from an inner room:
"Iskender is a convert, O Elias. He returns to the bosom of the Church. The praise to Allah!"
"Is it true?" cried Elias, starting back and staring at the youth. Perceiving no denial, he embraced him fondly, crying: "Our Lord bless thee! Allah knows I always loved the soul of thee, though the Brûtestânt stank in my nose; now from this day forth I am thy brother. By the Most High, thou shalt lodge nowhere but in my house."
"May Allah reward thy hospitality, O Elias," cried again the son of Mûsa. "The honour thou wouldst have is mine already."
"A pity!" sighed Elias, seeming really disappointed.
But the next minute, hearing steps upon the stairs, he brightened up, and said in Iskender's ear:
"The Emîr descends! Ah, I assure thee by the Holy Gospel, I have news for both of you."
The Frank stayed only long enough for salutations, then passed again from sight, going to breakfast. But though they were long alone, without a listener, Elias refused to impart the matter of his news, bidding Iskender wait till the Emîr gave audience.
"Ah, I assure thee, news of price!" he repeated, hugging himself, with big round eyes of mystery.